Tamara Malas

Founded in 2018 by designer Tamara Malas, the namesake label emerged from the designer’s desire to create the kind of fashion she wished existed for herself and other plus-size consumers. A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Malas previously worked in luxury fashion before launching a brand dedicated to expressive, size-inclusive design. Rather than following traditional “flattering fashion” conventions, Tamara Malas embraces bold color, oversized silhouettes, unexpected textiles, playful prints, and artistic construction. The collections feature dresses, outerwear, separates, swimwear, underwear, and statement pieces that encourage individuality rather than concealment. Inclusivity is central to the brand’s identity. Originally launched as a plus-size label, Tamara Malas later expanded into a fully size-inclusive brand offering sizes 2 through 36, with every style designed simultaneously across the complete size range. Patternmaking is developed with multiple body types in mind instead of simply grading up straight-size garments. The company also prioritizes ethical manufacturing and slow fashion. Garments are produced in small batches through partnerships with small factories in New York City and abroad, using high-quality fabrics selected for longevity and minimizing waste through limited-run collections. In 2024, the brand opened its first flagship boutique in New York City, creating a community-centered retail space dedicated to inclusive fashion.